Long-time Guilford lister Frank Rafferty dies

GUILFORD -- Town officials say they were "shocked" to learn of the recent death of a man who had served Guilford for more than three decades.

Frank Rafferty, who chaired Guilford’s board of listers, was found dead in his home Feb. 5 at the age of 63, the Selectboard announced this week.

Officials said they had no further information on the circumstances of the death of Rafferty, who they said was a "very private person" who lived alone.

But even as Selectboard members said they intended to fill the lister position as soon as possible, they paid tribute to Rafferty’s public service.

"Overall, his knowledge will be greatly missed," said Selectboard chairman Dick Clark.

Selectboard member Anne Rider said Rafferty was a lister for more than 30 years.

"He has served this town in that capacity very diligently for a long time," Rider said.

Listers’ duties include appraising property, sending out appraisal notices and preparing, certifying, lodging and amending the town’s abstract and grand list. Listers also conduct hearings and make determinations on property-tax grievances.

Rafferty was re-elected last year and his current term expires in 2015. But officials said whoever is appointed to his position will serve only until the 2014 Town Meeting.

"At that time, he/she must seek petition for election to hold the office through the remainder of the term that expires in 2015," Selectboard members wrote in a lister solicitation.

Anyone who applies for the lister position must be a registered voter in Guilford. Also, officials said "preferred qualifications" for lister candidates include:

-- A background in real estate such as experience as a real-estate agent, an appraiser, a title agent or as a previous lister.

-- Familiarity with Guilford’s roads and people.

-- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

To apply or for more information, candidates can contact Town Administrator Katie Buckley at 802-254-6857, ext. 105, or via e-mail at guilfordta@yahoo.com.

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